On May 7, 2025, at Old Trafford, it was the second leg of the Champions League semi-final between Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
"Hello, friends and viewers, and welcome to the second leg of the Champions League semi-final. The two teams drew 1-1 in the previous match, and today will decide who advances to the final."
"Today's match is full of highlights."
"Mbappé has 13 goals in 13 appearances, and Gao Nuo has 11 goals in 12 appearances, placing them first and second, respectively, in the Champions League top scorer list."
"The outcome of this match will not only determine the fate of the two teams, but also has a high probability of deciding who will win the Golden Boot."
"For Chinese fans, Gao Nuo winning the Champions League Golden Boot would be a new record. This 21-year-old has already created too much history for Chinese football."
"Neymar's showdown with his old club is also full of highlights. After being substituted in the last match, some issues arose between Neymar and Erik ten Hag. We hope the Brazilian star won't be affected in this match."
"Also, how will the recently questioned Erik ten Hag respond to Paris Saint-Germain's challenge with his tactics?"
"Affected by physical fitness and injuries, Manchester United has been overly conservative in recent matches."
"There have been some minor adjustments to both teams' formations and starting lineups."
"For Manchester United, Malacia replaces the suspended Luke Shaw."
"For Paris, Soler replaces the injured Achraf Hakimi."
"There are no changes in other positions, which are:"
Old Trafford was packed, and both teams' players were warming up.
"Captain, according to the boss's arrangement, you need to drop back to midfield today. I'll try more offside runs."
Bruno Fernandes and Gao Nuo secretly conversed, covering their mouths.
"Hmm, today's match will demand a lot of stamina. You need to be careful, kid."
"I'm not used to not having you as a pivot up front."
"Haha, I can't help you out today. Control the attacking tempo."
"I'll try my best. It's been a while since I played as a pivot."
Everything was ready, and the match began.
Zidane's 3-4-2-1 and Erik ten Hag's 4-3-3.
These are basically the two most popular tactics in football today.
The 3-4-2-1 formation.
It demands more from players' physical fitness, but also brings a more comprehensive tactical performance.
It allows for three-player combinations anywhere on the field, can apply pressure to all corners defensively, and create numerical superiority in specific areas.
There are more options in attack, with flexible movement upfront.
Attacks down both wings or through the middle depend on the attacking direction of the two attacking midfielders.
The 4-3-3 formation.
It emphasizes attack more, with more passing options, more support, and more potential variations in build-up play.
During transitions between attack and defense, there are more route pivots and quicker counter-attacking effects.
Defensively, there are fewer players, requiring more covering and overall coordination.
Both tactics have their advantages, and the match's outcome will still be decided by the players' performance.
In the 17th minute of the match, Paris attacked, with Mendes driving straight down the left wing to the byline.
In the previous encounter, Vanderson's performance was lackluster.
Facing Mendes's breakthrough in this match, he was resolute and showed no fear of physical confrontation.
Mendes, with his smaller frame, couldn't hold him off and passed the ball back to the center.
Veteran Müller didn't trap the ball, but instead, with a single touch, shifted it to the right side.
The wide switch broke Manchester United's defensive Center of Gravity, and Soler, after receiving the ball, crossed it diagonally in front of the goal.
Malacia missed the interception, and Pau Torres's position was also a bit too far right, creating a gap between him and Varane.
"What a beautiful pass! The goalkeeper must come out!"
No sooner had Zhan Jun finished speaking than Mbappé appeared in the gap.
Nübel's charge was a step slow, missing the chance for a direct interception. He could only stretch out his right arm, hoping to palm the ball away.
Mbappé, as the successor to the two giants, has undeniable strength. Seeing no opportunity to trap the ball, he jumped in place.
"Mbappé heads for goal! Nübel couldn't get a touch, and the ball goes just wide of the post."
Zhan Jun, like Manchester United fans, broke out in a cold sweat from Paris's sharp attacks down both wings.
Erik ten Hag on the sidelines frowned, "Damn it, they focused on the middle last game, and now it's the wings. Is Zidane targeting Malacia and Vanderson? This summer, I must buy fullbacks, if I still have the chance."
While Erik ten Hag was distracted, another dangerous situation arose on the field.
Nübel was a bit opportunistic with his goal kick. Seeing empty space in front of Rashford, he put all his strength into kicking the ball towards the left side of the attacking third.
"Oh no!" Kimpembe abandoned Gao Nuo in the middle and quickly moved towards the landing spot.
Rashford had intended to trap the ball with his back to goal, but the force from behind was too great, and he was knocked to the ground.
"Oh—"! The boos from the home crowd didn't change the Referee's judgment; no foul, Paris counter-attacked.
The quickly retreating Soler once again changed direction, sprinting towards Manchester United's byline, with the recently advanced Malacia beside him.
Kimpembe brilliantly completed the transition, kicking the ball towards the right byline.
Gonçalves and Manuel Ugarte pushed forward, with Mbappé lurking in front of the goal.
Manchester United's defense.
Pau Torres moved to the right, guarding against Soler successfully breaking through.
Rice covered two players, maneuvering between Gonçalves and Manuel Ugarte.
Varane held his position but intentionally moved towards the center, wary of Mbappé taking advantage to shoot.
Paris Saint-Germain had a 4-on-3 advantage in that area.
Malacia, lacking Luke Shaw's physique, was boxed out by Soler and could only repeatedly stick out his foot, attempting to clear the ball out of bounds.
The two battled all the way to 10 meters from the byline. Soler made a sudden stop, creating space for a pass, and hastily crossed the ball to the middle with his left foot.
Gonçalves received the ball, and Rice immediately closed him down, denying the opponent a long-range shot opportunity.
"Good play!"
Mbappé's voice and the pass came simultaneously. On the edge of the box, he shaped to shoot as the ball rolled towards him.
Pau Torres and Varane both rushed towards the center.
All shooting angles were blocked. Mbappé had a flash of inspiration, and the ball rolled between his legs.
To the back post!
Thomas Müller, a right-footed push shot to the bottom left corner of the goal.
Nübel's dive was too late.
Goal!
Paris led Manchester United 1-0.
While the Paris players celebrated, Zhan Jun and Zhang expressed their sentiments.
"Paris scores! Veteran Müller once again successfully pounced on a loose ball. His predatory instinct in front of goal is still sharp, and Mbappé's dummy was equally brilliant."
"Hey, Paris's attacking tempo is very fast today. Both fullbacks are pushed up to wing-backs, tearing Manchester United's two flanks to shreds."
"One has to admire Zidane's eye. Manchester United's left and right fullbacks are already stronger in attack than defense, and Paris's formation and tactics are very targeted."
"Hey, that's right. Actually, in the last match, if Manchester United hadn't played with 10 men and chosen to park the bus, Zidane's tactics should have already taken effect."
"Manchester United is currently trailing. Let's see how Erik ten Hag will respond."
